The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at opposite ends of the quarterback spectrum, in addition to being on opposite ends of Pennsylvania. But that contrast is exactly what makes a Tanner McKee cross-state trade make sense.
For Philadelphia, it’s about maximizing value from a developmental asset. For Pittsburgh, it’s about finally injecting upside into a stagnant quarterback room without overcommitting resources. The two teams that call the Keystone State home may be perfect trade partners for each other.
Why The Eagles Would Pull The Trigger
The Eagles are operating from a position of clarity at quarterback. Despite his struggles this season, Jalen Hurts is locked in as the franchise centerpiece, and Philadelphia has historically viewed the backup quarterback position as flexible and replaceable rather than sacred.
McKee has shown enough in practice and limited game action to intrigue teams around the NFL. He went 30-of-45 through the air for 323 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in two games of extended action last season.
McKee also had a great showing in the 2025 preseason opener against the Bengals, a 34-27 win for the Super Bowl Champions. He completed 20 of 25 pass attempts for 252 yards and three touchdowns, showing off his accuracy and ability to throw the deep ball as he connected with seven different receivers.
His size, arm talent, and comfort within structure have helped boost his value—but his path to meaningful snaps in Philadelphia remains blocked. If the Eagles don’t view McKee as a future starter, flipping him for a Day 2 pick is exactly the type of value play Howie Roseman has made a career executing.
That pick could immediately be used to add depth on the offensive or defensive lines, add an underrated skill player at a bargain, or be packaged to help the Eagles move up the draft board. Rather than holding a quarterback who may never see the field in meaningful action, Philadelphia would be converting surplus into flexibility—an organizational staple.
Why the Steelers Would Bet on McKee
The Steelers have spent the past few seasons searching for stability under center and coming up short. Stopgap solutions and stalled development have kept an otherwise competitive roster from reaching its ceiling.
Although Pittsburgh is currently 8-6 and first in the AFC North behind some solid quarterback play from Aaron Rodgers, there is no guarantee that the 42-year-old quarterback will return next season. At his age, Rodgers is also more injury-prone, which could warrant the Steelers to look for some quality insurance.
McKee represents a calculated swing. At 6-foot-6 with a strong arm and pocket-oriented skill set, he fits what Pittsburgh has traditionally valued at the position. He wouldn’t need to be rushed into the lineup, but he would immediately challenge for snaps and provide legitimate upside.
A second or third round pick is a manageable price for a quarterback who still has room to grow. If McKee develops, Pittsburgh finds a long-term answer without spending a first-round pick or committing veteran money. If he doesn’t, the cost doesn’t cripple their plans.
For a franchise stuck between contending and resetting, this is the kind of low-risk move that could quietly reshape the Steelers’ quarterback outlook. Pittsburgh will be unlikely to be able to draft a top-tier talent, and they also may not have a ton of cap space after several high-profile acquisitions and extensions this past offseason, including DK Metcalf and T.J. Watt.
Tanner McKee seems destined to be traded this offseason, as he has starting potential but will not be given that opportunity in Philadelphia. Their counterparts in Western Pennsylvania may be the best fit for him, as the Steelers will need a low-cost and reliable quarterback beyond Rodgers.
Lions Have a Chance to Spoil Things for Ben Johnson and the Bears
he Detroit Lions are sternly focused on their game against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, December 21, at home, and they need to keep that focus tight. If the Lions lose this game, or any of their remaining contests, they’ll be out of the playoffs, so every single game is make-or-break for the Lions.
But, in the process of pulling off a win over the Steelers on Sunday, many in the Lions’ camp would also like to see a few frowns from Ben Johnson and Lions rivals, the Chicago Bears. Johnson, of course, was the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator up until last year, when he took a gig heading up the Bears.
Unfortunately for the Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears are strong this season. It didn’t take Johnson long to get this team into shape, and they’re sitting at the top of the NFC North with a 10-4 record. The Bears also have a 79% chance of making the postseason going into Week 16, according to NFL research, while the Lions are at just 35%. But, the Lions still have a chance to make things sour for the Bears on Sunday..
Detroit Lions Hold Cards Over the Chicago Bears
It’s that time in the NFL season when things get complicated. So, it all boils down to math, and even though it may sound strange, the Lions have a chance to dash the Bears’ hopes of officially making it into the playoffs in Week 16.
The Detroit Lions are the only team that holds these cards, too. No hate, Bears fans. It’s just simple mathematics and statistics.
The Chicago Bears clinch a playoff berth in Week 16 if they win their game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, December 20, and the Detroit Lions lose or tie their game against the Steelers on Sunday, December 21. The Bears would also make the playoffs in Week 16 if they tie the Packers and Detroit drops their game.
So, the Lions can ruin the Bears’ chances of making the playoffs this weekend if they simply win their game. That’s another reason to root for the Lions against the Steelers.
A Love Triangle: The Lions, Bears and Packers
It doesn’t stop there. The Detroit Lions are also able to spoil things for the Packers in Week 16. Green Bay snags their spot in the playoffs if they win this week and and the Detroit Lions lose or tie against the Steelers or if Green Bay ties their game and the Lions lose.
So, if Detroit wins this weekend, not only do their keep their playoff hopes alive, but they spoil things for not only the Bears but the Packers, too. How fun is that for those in the Motor City?
To say there’s a lot riding on this game is an understatement. The Lions have a 35% chance of making the postseason going into the game, and if they win, that will go up to 45%. If they lose, they’ll technically have a 14% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL research, but for all practical purposes, it will be over. Reach out to me with your thoughts as the postseason nears.
